Bag to Basics

Everybody’s got a thing. You know, like how your best friend is mad for shoes, even wearing Uggs in the summer. And how your mom covets all jewels – the more bling the better.

But for you, it’s handbags. You’ve got one for every occasion, but what about for everyday?

Maui Monkey Business’ gathering bags are like the go-to T-shirt of your purse collection – perfect for casual times when you want to hit the beach, pick up some groceries or head to yoga. These versatile, hand-cut, hand-dyed, hand-sewn bags come in more than 30 colors and 80 hand-printed designs derived from the flora and fauna around owner Linda Van Alstine’s Haiku Quonset hut. All the print designs are loaded on the web site so you can choose – and immediately view – any combination of fabric, dye and pattern before picking one you like best.

You could create a bag from lavender-color fabric (or teal, or apple or mango), then add a design like sea turtles, ulu, white ginger, ohia, ancient spirits, or vana in an ink color that’s classic and subtle or just makes the whole thing pop.

The site also lets you design your own T-shirts, cloth napkins, tea towels, and potholders – if that’s also your bag.

Because you can never have too many.
Bags or obsessions.

Available at Na Mea Hawaii in Ward Warehouse, 808.597.8967 and on the neighbor islands. View a full list of stores, or order online athttp://mauimonkeybusiness.com .

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About This Blog

Lei Chic is an email and shopping blog that plugs you into Hawai‘i’s newest and hottest boutiques, designers, trends, spas and salons, and more. You’ll also discover all the cool events, dinners and sales happening around town in our Weekend Picks every Thursday. With Lei Chic, you’ll get the inside scoop on what everyone will be talking about tomorrow—in your inbox today.

Lei Chic Editor Natalie Schack has been a cultural anthropology student, museum worker bee and dabbler in graphic design. When she isn’t scouting new fashion, compiling to-do lists or crafting puns, Natalie spends her free time dreaming up elaborate picnic ideas; “researching” via YouTube tutorials, blogs and Instagram; and dusting off her pith helmet for the next adventure life throws her way.